Prunus fasciculata var. punctata
Sand almond, Sand Almond
(c) Ryan Donnelly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ryan Donnelly · licence
Family: Rosaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Prunus fasciculata var. punctata (Sand almond) is a native California shrub in the Rosaceae family, recognized by key distinguishing feature from var. fasciculata is glabrous to low-papillate leaves.
Sand almond is a California native shrub found in southern Central Coast and southern Southern Coast Ranges in sandy soils, scrubland, and oak woodland at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from March to April, this plant produces white flowers in small clusters. Growing with spreading branches 1 to 2 meters tall, it forms a dense, multi-stemmed structure. Its leaves are smooth to finely textured, creating a subtle, refined appearance in its dry, rocky habitat. The shrub is well-adapted to harsh, sandy environments with minimal moisture.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; key distinguishing feature from var. fasciculata is glabrous to low-papillate leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy soils, scrubland, oak woodland
Elevation: < 200 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles
Bloom period
Prunus fasciculata var. punctata blooms Mar-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Quercus: Prunus has simple leaves with fine teeth; oak leaves are lobed or have coarse rounded teeth.; vs Rhamnus: Prunus has fleshy fruits with single hard pits; buckthorn has berry-like fruits with multiple seeds.; vs Malus: Prunus fruits have a single hard pit; apple fruits have a papery core with multiple seeds.; vs Frangula: Prunus has cup-shaped flower base that falls off; alder buckthorn has persistent berry-like fruit base.; vs Pyrus: Prunus produces single-pitted drupes; pear produces pome fruits with papery seed chambers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Prunus fasciculata var. punctata native to California?
Yes. Prunus fasciculata var. punctata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Prunus fasciculata var. punctata bloom?
Prunus fasciculata var. punctata blooms Mar-Apr.
Where in California does Prunus fasciculata var. punctata grow?
Prunus fasciculata var. punctata occurs in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, at elevations of < 200 m.
What plant family does Prunus fasciculata var. punctata belong to?
Prunus fasciculata var. punctata is in the Rosaceae family, genus Prunus.
Is Prunus fasciculata var. punctata rare or endangered?
Prunus fasciculata var. punctata carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.